Category: BLOG

  • How They Run

    How They Run

    See How They Run

    Look up. Look up to the left. There’s Noah! He ran a rough race, faced a crowd of ridicule. He ran his race almost alone. Are you running alone? Look up to brother Noah. I can hear him say, “Stick with it. Don’t give up. It’s worth it.”

    Look to the right there. Isn’t that Job? Nobody ran a tougher race. He led a full team until he lost them all, but he kept plodding … barefoot, boiled. Have you lost your running mates? Possessions? Health? Brother Job’s rooting for you. Run, run, run! It’s worth it.

    Look again. Can you spot Daniel? He ran on his opponent’s field. No home-court advantage. Officials devised strange rules. He refused and paid penalties. Are you in the penalty box unjustly? Look up. See brother Daniel. He’s yelling, “My God is able. My God is able. My God is able to deliver.”

    More Runners

    And who’s down there? Why, it’s John. He ran the preliminaries. He was the best but always finished second. Do you run while the crowds file out to the concessions? Is it your job to make someone else look good, be successful? If so, watch brother John. He’s the one in the winner’s circle.

    And the little guy in the corner. Hey, Paul! He ran his race uphill but he won by a mile and convinced others to run too. Are you discouraged, depressed? Listen to the old coach. Keep those knees up and kick, kick, kick!

    Look closer. You’ll see Augustine … Luther … Wesley and Spurgeon, Moody and Marshall. And ahead … just across the finish line. Isn’t that Grandma, Grandpa, Mom, Dad? How can you let them down? With a crowd like that, how can you lose?

    Weighted Down

    Weights work great for training, but slow you down for the trials. Small boys look cute clutched to Daddy’s ankles, but they grow and grow. What’s your weight? Immorality? Bitterness? Anger? Jealousy? Maybe T.V.? Snacks? Security? Weekends?

    Who Can Help?

    Look! In the reviewing stand … it’s Jesus! He laid out the court, built the stands, designed the track. He blazed the trail and showed us how to run.

    His Race

    What a day! Crowds crammed the stadium … jumped, yelled, cheered, confettied the track. Free food and autographs for everyone … until uptight critics spread rumors.

    “He’s too perfect,” they fumed. “Surely he’s cheating,” they cried. “He broke the training rules,” they hissed. “He’s on pep pills,” they lied. “He called this great stadium a pile of junk. He chased vendors out of the aisles. Why, he’s been seen with known criminal types.”

    Gradually, applause and cheers vied with boos, jeers. They chanted and spit and mocked him with leers. He kept running. “Stop the race,” officials cried. They pleaded and bribed. He kept running. He was disqualified. But he just kept right on running.

    Finally, critics, officials, and bystanders rushed onto the track. And there in the middle of the arena, they grabbed him, heaved him up and killed him.

    Murdered

    In the stadium he built. Murdered, running the big race he designed. Murdered, by the very people he came to train.

    Games ceased that day. One by one the mob disappeared. Then, in the chilly stillness of dawn the pat, pat, pat of a runner’s gait echoed throughout the deserted stadium. Two female fans returning, stopped and stared. Then they rushed home through the empty seats to bring back a few teammates, family, friends.

    They witness as he crosses the finish line. He’s still running. He won! We won!

    After a jubilant victory celebration, they ran through temples, courts and prison cells. They ran through countries, cultures and nations. Through years, decades and centuries, shouting the news.

    Our Race

    Today the stadium’s full again. Now, we hold the torch. Angry, confused voices still clash and roar while spirit muscles ache and strain. But look up. Look at the Judge’s stand. It’s King Jesus and he’s on our side and he’s the only Judge. Look again! He’s rooting, shouting, scoring, for you and me. Listen, can’t you hear him call?

    Run, run, run! Hang in there. It’s worth it. Hey, that’s my team. That’s my boys, my girls.

    See how they run!

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    “Therefore since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses,

    let us also lay aside every weight and sin which clings so closely

    and let us run with perseverance the race set before us,

    looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith,

    who for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross, despising the shame

    and is seated at the right hand of God.”

    Hebrews 12:1,2

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    Stephen Bly and Janet Chester Bly

    Copyright©1976

    Western novelist, pastor and author Stephen Bly (1944-2011) preached this inspiring sermon for many church congregations across U.S. in the ’70s and ’80s. His widow, author Janet Chester Bly, revised it into this poetic form.

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    Audio Podcast “How They Run” by Stephen Bly on Spotify

  • How’s Your Hoolihan?

    How’s Your Hoolihan?

    Hoolihan Roping Trick 


    I never laid any claim to being a roper, but I do enjoy tossing a loop now and then. One thing you learn right away. There are different types of throws to lasso a critter. One of the slickest is what old timers call the hoolihan.

    Most often used when the cowboy worked from the ground, the hoolihan proved to be a favorite throw on cattle drives for roping the next horse out of the remuda. This quick, accurate throw doesn’t spook the other horses in line to be caught.

    Here’s how to do it. Carry loop in your hand. When you get close enough to the horse, swing one brisk rotation in front of him toward the right. Then pull the loop over this head. When done right, the loop falls on the horse’s head flat and open, then drops straight down with the honda sliding down the rope. It takes up slack as it moves, so avoids the whirling around the head of standard roping procedure.

    The other horses don’t know what’s happening. Quick, fast, sneaky, like the secret stalk of temptation that plays on the mind. No pre-warning to you or to others close by who could also get caught in the trap.

    Be Wary

    2 Corinthians 2:11 cautions to be prepared “that Satan might not outwit us … for we are not unaware of his schemes.”

    Our main enemy ropes us in with subtle attacks more often than outright assaults. We can get grabbed while we’re on the way to do something else, just minding our business. That’s why we need to be alert at all times.

    Some Hoolihan Advice

    We all face temptations. They can’t be prevented. But we can watch out so we aren’t caught in a sinister, spiritually damaging hoolihan. Shake free of that loop at the first sign, as soon as you sense the shadowy presence nearby, hovering over you.

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    Audio Podcast “How’s Your Hoolihan?” by Stephen Bly

  • A Family Project

    A Family Project

    A Family Project: Finishing Dad’s Novel

    My husband, Stephen Bly, hated half-done jobs. He couldn’t stand a ‘to do’ list without immediate action. One big task for 2011: complete his novel, Stuart Brannon: The Final Shot. When he passed away on June 9th, 2011, my sons said to me, “Let’s finish that book.” They suggested we do it as a family project.

    The idea grew. They had their dad’s creativity and wit. They’d collectively impart their father’s input. I also quickly discovered the value of their constant feedback and encouragement. I couldn’t do it without them.

    How Family Project Began

    The Center Point Thorndike Press editor gave us a four-month extension. This incomplete project became a family affair. Can a committee write a novel? We had the passion to find out.

    Steve left us one completed chapter, a synopsis (with no suggested ending), and lots of character names. We carefully studied these details. “It reads more like a mystery than a western,” we four surmised.

    This book must resonate like a Stephen Bly novel and resemble the early Stuart Brannon Series. Yet, this story’s different. Brannon’s older. He struggles to fit into the 20th Century. He also grapples with the game of golf on behalf of a celebrity charity tournament.

    The Family Process

    We immersed ourselves in the original 6 books of the series. Then, we scanned other Stephen Bly novels for Stuart Brannon mentions. I scoured Steve’s resources for a basic grounding in the western world he knew so well. I also skimmed our fiction writing books for tips and printed out excerpts for the sons. We finally decided to focus our main theme on fighting for justice, truth and mercy as we met weekly for the family project to brainstorm and critique.

    Starting with a cluster diagram of all the known factors, spirited discussions stirred debate as well as consensus. We assigned each other research topics, then talked through and roughed out random scenes. After drafting an outline, listing plot points gave direction for which scenes to create next. We tried to include as much of Steve’s writings as we could.

    Keeping Project Focus

    To keep the constant additions discernable, I used a different color type each week that turned into a rainbow manuscript. Even with this trick and the outline, the key challenge remained to keep the story’s timeline straight. Then I took a trip to the Oregon coast, to discover and experience what Steve knew about the locale and we didn’t. This added much needed color and revealed critical mistakes.

    The deadline loomed as we aimed for 75,000 words. I struggled to eke out 2,000 words daily. When Aaron devised an adventure scene and Mike produced the golf tourney and poker game settings, I knew we’d hit the target count.

    After we actually exceeded our goal, we deleted scenes and characters that didn’t move the plot. This tightened the action and made it better. The last days and hours filled with frantic attempts to get this family project as perfect as possible.

    At 10:36 a.m. on November 1st, 2011, son Mike emailed me, “Well? Ready to push ‘send’?” At 11:46 a.m., I did. We finished Steve’s last undone earthly task.

    Janet Chester Bly
    Copyright©2012

  • When Bad Things Happen to Those You Love

    When Bad Things Happen to Those You Love

    When Bad Things Happen to Those You Love

    As if she didn’t have enough bad things happen. Years of wealth and luxury, but now she had only the dress on her back. A reputation and status of being one of the country’s leading ladies, however now she roamed garbage dumps for a meal. Her large, healthy family had been the pride of her life, but now childless. 

    And her healthy, vibrant, dynamic husband turned into a pitiful, broken down, sore infested old man. More than enough for any gal to handle. On top of that, her husband was a religious fanatic who sat around wondering what God tried to tell him through all this.

    Mrs. Job said: “Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die!” (Job 2:9) 

    What should we do when bad things happen to those we love? 

    SEVEN REASONS BAD THINGS HAPPEN 

    1. Sometimes they come by divine appointment.

    Job faced the outcome of spiritual warfare. That conflict continues in our day. There’s a sense in which every bad event is ruled over by God, since He reigns sovereign over all things. But when we seek, we can discover several more immediate causes. 

    NATURAL CATASTROPHES

    • Sometimes bad things happen through natural catastrophes.

    The earth quakes, volcanoes erupt, waves pound, fires jump creeks, bridges collapse, plagues surge across a nation. We do not live in a perfectly safe world. The Bible says that rebellion against God caused the world’s present upheaval. Still, we look for explanations.

    If God used natural disasters to eradicate sin, who would be left? He did that once and only eight survived the flood on Noah’s ark. The tower in Siloam fell as one of the many tragedies possible in a sin-tainted world.

     THE WORLD’S SYSTEM

    • Sometimes bad things happen because of trials and tribulation. 

    The tenor of society, the flow of civilization, the dominating ideas of the world’s system oppose God’s plan for His people. The collision of the wills of truth and lies produce tragic consequences.  

              Make a stand for good. March to support a biblical position. Protest for what you believe is right. You’ll likely find fervent, sometimes vicious opponents. This world produces much trouble.   

    FOOLISHNESS, GREED, AND BLOWING IT 

    • Bad things happen because of stupid actions. 

    By example, King Hezekiah caused the suffering devastation of Babylonian plunder for a future generation by his lack of discretion and wisdom (2 Kings 20). 

    • Because people give Satan an entry.

    Judas had a problem with greed, which led to betraying Jesus. Judas gave Satan direct control of his life (Luke 22). 

    • The result from personal sin.

    The man near the pool of Bethesda in Jerusalem had a crippling disease for thirty-eight years. Jesus healed him, then presented a challenge: “Do not sin anymore, so that nothing worse may befall you” (John 5:14).

              An alcoholic ruins his liver. A prostitute suffers from a venereal disease. Habitual gamblers face bankruptcy.

    BEING A WITNESS 

    • Bad things sometimes happen when talking about Jesus.

    Peter and John received a stern warning. Then they got flogged when they disobeyed. 

    “We gave you strict orders not to continue teaching in this name, and behold, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us” (Acts 5:28,40).

    WHAT TO DO WHEN THOSE YOU LOVE FACE BAD TIMES

     First, stand by them.  

    “There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24).  

    Second, practice being a kind listener. 

    “But let everyone be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger,” James advises (1:19). 

    Third, continue to show love. 

    “A friend loves at all times” (Proverbs 17:17). 

    Fourth, seek God’s counsel together. 

    “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good” (Genesis 50:20).  

    MORE SUGGESTED ACTIONS WHEN BAD THINGS HAPPEN  

    Fifth, help them face responsibility. 

    “Faithful are the wounds of a friend” (Proverbs 27:6). 

    “Restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, lest you too be tempted” (Galatians 6:1). 

    Sixth, review God’s past faithfulness, provisions, and blessings. 

    Some things have gone right. Enjoy the loving memories and wonderful surprises, and re-live special events. 

    “When I pondered to understand this, it was troublesome in my sight, until I came into the sanctuary of God. Then I perceived their end” (Psalm 73:16,17). 

    When he grasped the long-range view of life, his heart and mind quieted in understanding.

    Seventh, chart together new goals and dreams. 

    Unexpected situations may crush certain plans made. Look for new opportunities. 

    GIVE GOD TIME 

    Eighth, allow God time to work His best result. 

    Some bad things take time to assess. God told Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). 

    But that insight surfaced only after much pleading, praying, and questioning on Paul’s part. Many of life’s worst times have no easy quick-fix solutions or explanations.  

    CONCLUSION 

    Bad things do happen. But no one should face them alone. The message of Jesus, Emmanuel, God is with us! “In the world you have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world!” 

    Hallelujah! Amen & Amen.

    Stephen Bly signature

    Stephen Bly

    Circa 1990 

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    CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO SPOTIFY “When Bad Things Happen” Stephen Bly PODCAST:

  • Hawken Rifle, Legendary Firearm of the Old West

    Hawken Rifle, Legendary Firearm of the Old West

    Legendary Firearms of the Old West

    I suppose the history of the Old West could be told just by describing the firearms carried. Take the Hawken rifle, for instance, among many legendary guns, indeed.

    When Firearms Ruled

    Winchester ’73s ruled the range during its era. The Colt Peacemaker stalked the towns.  And the Sharp’s big 50 brought down the last of the buffalo. Before that, the Henry Repeating Rifle and the Remington locked cap revolvers. Mountain men preferred the Hawken Percussion rifle in their days. Most of the American brigades were issued rifles made by Samuel Hawken in St. Louis. These 10-12 pounders with 34-inch octagon barrels, .50 calibers had low sight set triggers and percussion lock.

    The Ideal Weapon

    The Hawken rifle provided early frontier men the ideal weapon, uncomplicated and strong. The parts seldom broke and could take the punishment of the plains and mountains. A Hawken rifle could drop a charging buffalo. And good shots would down a grizzly bear.

    Today’s Warfare Weapons

    Few battles today require firearms, but we’re definitely in a fight. Battles rage in our country for the minds of this present generation and centers on the presumption the smarts of men far exceed the wisdom of God. We combat pervasive moral attitudes that at times take delight in anti-biblical positions. We need an uncomplicated and strong weapon, something that will work.

    The Bible Says

    We possess the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. The Sword is a simple weapon, in one piece and no parts. A good sword is so strong it won’t break. However, it might get dull. God’s Word will never lose its edge, as long as we know how to use it.

    There is one danger. We could forget to bring our weapon with us along the trail. That would be as foolish as old Jim Bridger leaving his Hawken rifle in camp.

    Stephen Bly

    Circa 1993

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    Legendary Rifles of the Old West Audio Here: PODCAST

  • Every Child Deserves to Know

    Every Child Deserves to Know

    Every Child Deserves to Know

    Little children remain the most helpless of all God’s creatures. Every child deserves a mom, a dad, a teacher. Every skill on this earth has to be learned, from birth to death. They need someone to care for them as babes, then hold their hands and lead them as toddlers, till they finally walk on their own.

    Perhaps it’s your job to show them how to sit blocks one upon another. The only thing a child knows for sure is how to knock them down. Destruction seems built into children—part of the sin nature, I’m sure. But the most crucial times come in a lifestyle choice, an attitude, a way of doing things right. There’s also a foundation of facts to know. Every child deserves to know certain truths.

    God is real, alive, and personal.

      Children come with imagination, creativity, and some have make-believe friends. The teddy bear can seem personal. Can to be talked to. On the other hand, there are a lot of live and real things such as tall, growing green trees that aren’t personal at all. Children deserve to know the difference.

      Every child deserves someone who loves them.

      Maybe it’s Mommy or Daddy, or a grandparent or guardian, who provides a true love that doesn’t give up. They need to learn about love through actions, as well as words. And that grasp makes it easier to believe a Heavenly Father loves them.

      Unfortunately, the world’s full of troubles.

      We might prefer to isolate kids from this truth . And, of course, we try to protect them. But we can’t hold on to them forever. They’ll venture out where it can be harsh and cruel. That’s a part of even an abundant life. If we never let them fail, or struggle, or face challenges, they won’t know how to respond.

      Another important truth: Jesus has overcome the world.

      Tough stuff doesn’t always go away. But Jesus will walk them through it. Because He was triumphant on the cross and over the tomb, by rising back to life, there’s victory for all, including a child. Those little ones deserve to learn, as soon as they’re able, that Jesus is always with them.

      The Bible is completely reliable.

      As they grow up, they begin to read story books. As soon as they’re able to understand, they need to be told, the Bible is different than every other book. In these pages is the truth about God. They need to learn that not only because you tell them, but because you act upon the Word. It guides you along your way.

      Every child deserves to know the best secret: obedience to God leads to a fulfilled life.

      That’s why they learn obedience in small things now. Not just because you’re bigger, tougher, or meaner, but because this gives them streets smarts for doing life. That’s why we teach them to learn to follow certain life rules young. Eventually, not only will we please Him, but also satisfy our own best and highest desires.

      Life with Jesus is full of adventure.

      Our heavenly Father is a God of unexpected surprises. He is, as C.S. Lewis in the Narnia Tales says, “a wild lion.” That is, you never can know for sure what He’s going to do, because He has His own way of doing things, even in how He answers our prayers. He brings blessings, such as special people into our lives. He’s already there in the future planning something for you and for our children. They deserve to know they don’t need to be afraid, but to look forward to adventures.

      Every child deserves a family.

      Father and mother, brothers and sisters, Grandma and Grandpa are part of the unit of a God-given family. God designed society that way. He has a lot of lessons to teach. In a family we learn to give and receive forgiveness, and how to really love by getting up close and personal with others.

      What is life? For one thing, it’s a prep school for eternity.

      Maybe it’s the death of a pet or a grandparent. As soon as they’re able to recognize life here is short and terminal, they deserve to realize God has that plan in mind.

        Yes, there’s something in us that says we ought to live forever. But life here is just a training ground. We’re given some years to get ready for heaven. So, God stuck us in a family of some sort, to learn how to love, how to forgive. See if we choose to follow Him and know Him. If so, we win forever. And that’s what life’s about.

        They deserve to know God made them that way.

        A kid’s song says, “I’m something special!” And it’s true. They’re important, just as they are. God made them and He doesn’t make any junk. If they’re tall or short, if they have a big nose, there are no mistakes. Whatever talents or abilities, they need to learn to use what God’s given them.

        Finally, God will always hear them.

        Nobody can pray too much, whether young or old. Little ones deserve to know God cares about everything. Any time they want to pray, they should.

        No one can force a child to believe in God or Jesus. Certainly, I would lead the pack if I could make my children become Christians. But I can’t. That’s the work of the Holy Spirit and God in their lives. They have to come to that place of confessing Him on their own. But I can prepare the environment, work up the fallow ground, get the soil ready for good seed to be planted. I can teach them lots of things, by saying the words and showing the actions.

        And when all of this is done, I can relax and know I’ve done my part. I can trust God for His.

        Amen and Amen!

        Stephen Bly

        1st Presbyterian Church, Fillmore, California

        December 30, 1979

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        “Every Baby Ought to Know” AUDIO PODCAST by Stephen Bly: